Footscray is simply one of the most exciting places to live in Melbourne.
While comparable inner suburbs such as Fitzroy and South Yarra have largely been gentrified, Footscray remains somewhat under-appreciated. It’s easy to forget that it’s just a seven-minute train ride to Flinders Street Station, that it has a dynamic cultural and artistic scene and a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars that rival any of Melbourne’s best.
Yet the suburb remains quite literally undervalued. It’s one of the reasons that smart buyers who want to preserve the lifestyle they had as inner-suburbs renters are snapping up apartments at Cowper Residences. This is a quality development offering a series of terraces, SOHOs (Small Office/Home Offices) and apartments designed by award-winning architects ClarkeHopkinsClarke.
Selling agent FR Chee, of CT Real estate, says much of the interest in Cowper Residences is coming from two demographically diverse groups: first-home buyers and downsizers.
“These groups might seem very different – one younger, one older – but what unites them is an understanding of Footscray as a dynamic, inner-city suburb that suits a range of multi-generational lifestyle choices,” says Chee.
“Both young professionals and downsizers, empty nesters, enjoy the social and dining options in the suburb, as well as its proximity to the natural respite areas of the Maribyrnong River. And if Footscray’s attractions aren’t enough then they know the city is less than ten minutes away.”
Located just four kilometres from the CBD, Cowper Residences – an AVIC Group project – is close to all forms of public transport, with the train station only 200 metres away and a seven-minute journey to the CBD. It is also just a short walk to the to the Maribyrnong River and joins with the major cycle paths connecting to the city.
Located on quiet, tree-lined Cowper Street, the site is on the highest point between the city and Footscray, providing uninterrupted views of the CBD from the second floor and up. The nature of the site’s location and its surrounding low-density housing means these views are unlikely to be built out in the future. These views are complemented by a communal rooftop terrace and landscaped gardens.
A distinguishing feature of the development, and ClarkeHopkinsClarke’s design, is the focus on a superior level of quality throughout. The low to medium density development not only provides exceptional quality but also outstanding value for money, as Toby Lauchlan, partner at ClarkeHopkinsClarke explains.
“We’ve selected fixtures and fittings which go beyond what buyers might usually expect to find in a standard apartment, including Miele appliances, a fully integrated dishwasher, 100 per cent wool carpets, stone benchtops, with track-lighting and timber flooring featured throughout,” Lauchlan says.
Purchaser Gerard Goh, a 28-year-old IT professional who works in Melbourne’s CBD, was convinced by Cowper Residences combination of quality, price and location. He and his partner have bought a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment within their $600,000 budget.
“For me it was a personal choice. It was next to the train station and I needed a place from where I could get to work in the CBD easily, so the location was a big win for me,” Goh says.
“My other concern was quality, and I was extremely impressed by Cowper Residences. I had a look at the materials in detail. I wanted something suitable for living in long-term. I've been renting in Southbank and it's quite hard to find something liveable near the city within the $600,000 range. Of course, if you have $800,000 or $1 million you can get something good but my budget was pretty tight at $600,000.”
“I was inspired by the spaciousness and the finishes, materials and inclusions I could have at this price point at Cowper Residences.”
Cowper Residences Display Suite - 34 Cowper Street, FootscrayCowper Residences offers first-home buyers a chance to get on the property ladder and out of the expensive trap of renting. One-bedroom apartments in the development begin at $320,000 (apartment B307), while two-bedrooms are available from $465,000 (apartment D205).
Footscray itself was another factor that persuaded Goh that Cowper Residences was right for him.
“I was pretty surprised by Footscray. It's changed a lot in the six or seven years since I had last been there. It's quite hip now, with all the different cafes there. It's totally changed,” he says.
To find out more information about Cowper Residences, please visit website at www.cowperresidences.com.au or come and see us at the display suite at 34 Cowper Street, Footscray.
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